National Health Law Program (NHeLP)

12/15/2025

Data collection is a common-sense component of identifying and addressing disparities in health and healthcare access, yet demographic data is being stripped from federal surveys and forms at an alarming rate.The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has emphasized the need for better health data to address persistent health disparities for at least forty years, starting with the 1985 Report of the Secretary’s Task Force on Black and Minority Health and the resulting establishment of the Office of Minority Health (OMH) in 1986. OMH is charged with providing national leadership, resources, and coordination to improve the health of people of color and eliminate health disparities. In 2010, the Affordable Care Act directed the Secretary of HHS to promulgate uniform data collection standards for race, ethnicity, s*x, primary language, and disability. The resulting HHS guidance acknowledged that “while data alone cannot reduce disparities,” it is foundational to addressing them.
By Dylan de Kervor https://healthlaw.org/how-do-we-address-health-disparities-if-we-cant-prove-they-exist/

12/15/2025

NHeLP and Free the Pill created this Toolkit to help state advocates secure coverage of over-the-counter contraceptives through legislation. As states confront provider and clinic shortages resulting from devastating OBBBA cuts, guaranteeing coverage of OTC contraceptives without a prescription and without cost-sharing provides a critical path to maintaining and expanding access to contraception. NHeLP is ready to stand with partners this session to advance this and other critical s*xual and reproductive health protections. Co-authored by Christina Piecora and Free the Pill https://healthlaw.org/resource/coverage-of-over-the-counter-contraception-model-legislation-and-toolkit/

12/15/2025

📢 Now hiring! NHeLP is offering a remote, 2-month MAT Summer internship for college rising juniors & seniors, with a stipend up to $5,000. NHeLP’s Mission Advancement Team (MAT) drives the strategy that powers our impact. As a Mission Advancement Team intern, you’ll help amplify NHeLP’s voice and bring greater visibility to our work advancing health equity. You’ll learn about the health law and policy issues we tackle every day, and help us communicate effectively about emerging challenges and opportunities. From social media and media outreach to tracking coverage, graphic design, and development support, you’ll play a hands-on role in strengthening our impact and expanding access to care for underserved communities

Apply to Mission Advancement Team Intern - Summer 2026 at National Health Law Program in Remote.

12/11/2025

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act prevent discrimination against individuals with limited English proficiency. Regulations from the Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights finalized in 2024 reiterate long standing requirements to ensure effective communication. This issue brief offers an explanation of applicable laws and guidance for language assistance services providers, health care providers and policymakers. By Mara Youdelman, and Dylan de Kervor https://healthlaw.org/resource/what-is-required-under-title-vi-and-section-1557-to-ensure-language-access-for-individuals-with-limited-english-proficiency/

12/11/2025

This issue brief series explores how prior authorization policies shape access to care in public health coverage programs, particularly Medicaid. The first brief introduces the fundamentals of prior authorization, how it operates for Medicaid beneficiaries, and the growing movement for reform. Future installments will explore the legal and policy implications of prior authorization, highlight emerging reform efforts at both the federal and state levels, and identify advocacy strategies to promote transparency and accountability in Medicaid. By Brit Vanneman https://healthlaw.org/resource/prior-authorization-in-medicaid-series/

12/10/2025

Many immigrants’ eligibility for Medicaid will be significantly restricted under the 2025 Budget Reconciliation Act (H.R. 1). While H.R. 1 eliminated mandatory Medicaid funding for some individuals, it did not affect optional coverage for lawfully residing children and pregnant people pursuant to the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA), nor the From-Conception-to-End-of-Pregnancy (FCEP) option. States may continue to receive federal funding to provide coverage to these populations, and take other actions to mitigate the harm of this devastating loss of coverage for immigrant communities. Our Top 10 suggestions for state advocates are offered in this guide. By Katy DeBriere, Miriam Delaney Heard, Sarah Grusin, and Jules Lutaba https://healthlaw.org/resource/top-10-suggestions-for-state-advocacy-regarding-h-r-1-changes-to-medicaid-eligibility-for-immigrants/

12/09/2025

Half of Americans already struggle to afford health care. If Republican leaders in Congress don’t renew ACA enhanced tax credits NOW 20 million will see costs more than double and 5 million could lose coverage. Via : momsrising.org/CBPPpremiumspikes

12/09/2025

Even small premium payments make it more difficult to enroll in and maintain health coverage, especially for people with low incomes. If the enhanced tax credits expire the cost will hurt millions of families. Via : momsrising.org/CBPPpremiumplans

12/09/2025

“ACA tax credits help millions of us afford insurance. These credits aren’t bargaining chips. They’re a lifeline." Maria in IA & millions more are bracing for a huge . Congress must extend ACA enhanced tax credits now!

12/05/2025

📢 Now hiring! NHeLP is offering a remote, 2-month Summer internship for college rising juniors & seniors, with a stipend up to $5,000. Learn about key issues in health law and policy, from immigrant health to reproductive health and disability access, while helping amplify our advocacy through social media, media outreach, design, tracking, and development support. If you’re passionate about expanding health care access for underserved communities and want hands-on experience in nonprofit management, we want to hear from you!

Apply to Mission Advancement Team Intern - Summer 2026 at National Health Law Program in Remote.